WASHINGTON, D.C. – Almost 60 percent of small businesses say they use AI, according to the fourth edition of itsEmpowering Small Business: The Impact of Technology on U.S. Small Business, a comprehensive analysis of how technology is transforming the small business landscape. This year’s report introduces two new studies: an in-depth analysis of how small businesses view cryptocurrencies and stablecoins, and a full fifty-state breakdown of small business technology adoption and trends.
The report also highlights growing concerns among small business owners that navigating a patchwork of state AI and privacy laws could hinder their ability to grow and compete.
Some key findings reveal:
- 58% of small businesses say they use generative AI—up from 40% in 2024 and more than double the adoption rate in 2023.
- 96% of small business owners plan to adopt emerging technologies, including AI and cryptocurrencies.
- 77% of small businesses that use AI report that limits on the technology would negatively impact their growth, operations, and bottom line.
- 82% of small businesses using AI increased their workforce over the past year.
“AI is transforming economies and industries across the globe, but often overlooked is its potential to empower small businesses—enabling them to innovate, grow, and compete on a larger scale,” said Jordan Crenshaw, Senior Vice President of the Chamber’s Technology Engagement Center. “Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and a fragmented regulatory landscape will significantly hinder their ability to compete. This year we've found the highest level of concern amongst small business with a patchwork of state laws that could inhibit adoption and growth. That’s why policymakers need to establish a single national framework that allows these businesses to thrive, instead of stifling their success.”
Hrag Kalebjian, the owner of Henry’s House of Coffee who is featured in the report, noted “AI has been a game-changer for Henry's House of Coffee, allowing us to streamline tasks like product descriptions, SEO, and marketing emails. It truly helps us be more efficient and focus on what we do best: roasting great coffee.”
In addition to AI adoption, for the first time, this report shows that 7 in 10 small business owners are expressing substantial interest in integrating cryptocurrency and stablecoins into their operations, reflecting the sector’s openness to adopting cutting-edge technologies to enhance productivity and drive innovation.
As Michael Haft, founder and CEO of Compass Coffee and Coinbase partner explains, “payments are becoming open, instant, and borderless. At Compass Coffee, that future is already here: we pay farmers in El Salvador using Bitcoin and are piloting stablecoins in our cafés.”
To access the full report, click here.
